Bicentenary celebrations:

A book launch and a museum

The Mount Lavinia Hotel considered "a national treasure and centre- piece of Sri Lanka tourism and travel" continued its bicentenary celebrations with the launch of a commemorative book on Friday July 14 at a spectacular ceremony which followed the opening of the refurbished museum/gallery with the unveiling of the portraits of the former Governors of Sri Lanka during the British occupancy.

The book titled "Mount Lavinia - the Governor's Palace" consists of 136 pages which provides information in great detail about the legendary Mount Lavinia Hotel, its history, architecture, occupants, festivities, etc... This book was compiled by Shevanthie Goonasekera on behalf of "Paradise Isle Publications", a publication house based in London, managed and owned by two Sri Lankans.

Talking to the media Ms. Goonasekera said, "It took five years of intensive and comprehensive research to get all the necessary facts about the Mount Lavinia Hotel and its legendary occupants. I had to travel to Sri Lanka many times to collect the information from the National Archives.

In addition, I had to go to Scotland to trace the ancestry of Sir Thomas Maitland." A descendant of the legendary Sir Thomas Maitland, Viscount Ian Maitland presented "Mount Lavinia - the Governor's Palace" to Sanath Ukwatte, Chairman of Mount Lavinia Hotel. This book will be available for purchase at the hotel and at some selected bookstores following the launch.

The descendants of Sir Thomas Maitland and Sir Robert Brownrigg graced the ceremony and unveiled the portraits of their forefathers who were former British Governors of Sri Lanka. Governor Paget's portrait was unveiled by the British High Commissioner and Governor Barnes's portrait by Abbas Esufally, Director of the Hemas Group. Sophia Brownrigg's portrait was unveiled by Mrs. Chilcott, wife of the British High Commissioner.

The unveiling continued with Henry Brownrigg unveiling Governor Brownrigg's portrait and Viscount Maitland unveiling the portrait of the legendary Sir Thomas Maitland, who initiated this magnificent building which was to become the renowned Mount Lavinia Hotel. An interesting fact is that all these Governors resided in Mount Lavinia House during their stay in Sri Lanka. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a portrait of the mysterious Lovina Aponsua by Sanath Ukwatte.

The VIPs and distinguished guests who arrived specially for this occasion from England arrived at Mount Lavinia in the ceremonial Viceroy Special from the Fort railway station. They were then escorted to a red carpet welcome at the hotel in a colourful procession, which comprised traditional drummers, contemporary dancers, white horses and trumpeters.

The visiting VIPs from England were Viscount Ian Maitland (19th Earl of Lauderdale), Viscountess Anne Maitland, Allan Maitland (Secretary to the Maitland Clan), Mignonne Holsinge and Henry Brownrigg (descendent of Governor Brownrigg)